Saturday and Sunday morning will start cool and fresh, but temperatures will soon rise into the low to mid 20s for many across the country.  By the time we get to Monday, temperatures nationwide will be in the low to mid 20s, with a few spots into the high 20s, and are set to rise even further from mid-week.   

Chief Meteorologist, Frank Saunders said, “As warmer air from the continent moves towards the UK from Wednesday, temperatures will climb into the mid to high 20s quite widely, even in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. By this stage, some places in England and Wales will very likely top 30 Celsius – it’s not unlikely somewhere could reach 32 Celsius.  With almost wall-to-wall sunshine we’ll certainly be looking at conditions which many of us would call a heatwave.”

UV levels will be high or very high during this warm and sunny spell, so people should take care when outside enjoying the weather.

Dr Owen Landeg, of Public Health England, said: “Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and many people will want to enjoy the long spell of warm weather in the forecast.  Now is a really good time to think about what you can do to protect you and your family and friends’ health during summer.  For some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks. That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support.  And if you’re going outside for a prolonged period, remember UV is high at this time of year so think how the sun affects you and what you’d do to make sure you don’t get burned.”

The highest temperature recorded in the UK so far this year is 29.1 Celsius at St James Park on 19th April.  The UK June temperature record is 35.6 Celsius, recorded at Camden Square on 29 June 1957 and Southampton on 28 June 1976.

The Wales’ record for June is 33.7 C on 18th June 2000 at Machynlleth, 32.2 C in Scotland on 18th June 1893 at Ochtertyre and 30.8 Celsius in Northern Ireland on 30th June 1976 in Co. Fermanagh.

So how long will this warm, hot weather last?

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly said, “With high pressure firmly in charge, the warm and dry weather is here to stay until at least the end of June and although it is still some way off, we could be looking at similar conditions continuing into the start of July.”